A comprehensive renovation of the auditorium of Maxey Hall is underway thanks to a $3 million gift from Dinah Sharp Deshler ’64. Upon completion of the project in spring 2026, the highly used auditorium will become a fully accessible space modernized with new seating, lighting, acoustics and audiovisual technologies.
“We are excited to begin revitalizing this essential auditorium for students, faculty and staff,” says President Sarah Bolton. “We can’t thank Dinah Deshler enough for making this possible.”
The new venue and home to lectures, performances and film screenings will be named Deshler Auditorium upon reopening in spring 2026.
Dinah Deshler ’64 and the late William “Bill” Karl Deshler ’64 have been longtime volunteer leaders and advocates for Whitman College. Bill served as a Trustee from 1996–2008 and as a member of the Board of Overseers (now the President’s Advisory Board) from 1992–1996. Both Dinah and Bill served as Class Representatives and Reunion Chairs.
“Whitman has been a very special place to Bill and me,” Dinah says. “Our four years at Whitman affected the course of our lives. It was, and still is, a place where young adults from towns large and small were introduced to the liberal arts. That curriculum encouraged curiosity and awareness of the importance of learning. We made lifelong friends and found each other. I am pleased to make this gift to renew an important, visible venue for Whitman students.”
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